John Crosby expressed in a December 2009 news interview that he could not
afford to take the dog to a veterinarian, and was unaware of the local prohibition against tethering. The dog was
given over to Savannah/Chatham County Animal Control by Ms. Lam, but
ultimately did not survive. John Crosby has been charged with tethering
and animal neglect.

Neighbor disputes over animal care are all-too-common and the solutions
are rarely expedient. When an animal’s life appears to be in immediate
danger (due, for example, to temperature extremes and exposure or
starvation), calling 911 is appropriate. Complaints to local law
enforcement authorities should always be made via a formal written
report, and keeping a dated journal of developments is often useful for
witnesses. Here are some guidelines for addressing chronic animal
neglect in your neighborhood: